Which double glazing to choose?

Repalcement Window Double Glazing

Window glazing has come a long way since the days for the single pane sash window. Modern window glazing is now usually double or triple glazed and will save you money on your heating or cooling bills.

The additional layers of glass trap a layer of air, which is a poor conductor of heat, and as such reduce your heat transfer through the window. Another way of reducing heat transfer is by applying a low emissivity (low-E) coating to the window. This is a layer of metallic oxide which is invisible – almost all new windows include this technology.

Double Glazing Condensation

One of the most common problems with double glazing is when condensation begins to form between the two panes. When the sealed units are manufactured the air gap usually contains dehydrated air, or inert gases, and the spacer contains a silica gel which drys out moisture.

Over time, the seal can back down somewhere around the unit, moisture is let in, and once the gel has absorbed as much moisture as it can – condensation begins to form between the two panes of glass.

Many suppliers of double glazing offer a long guarantee for the windows they installed, so with any luck your replacements will be covered – otherwise it’s a case of requesting some quotes.

When looking for new windows it can be quite daunting looking through the various options to decide which double glazing is best for your house. The main choices you are typically faced with are the style of window you want, and the material used to make the frame.

Typical Window Frame Materials

upvc double glazing – these are typically white and probably the most common replacement windows;

aluminium double glazing – less common, but still used as replacement glazing;

wooden double glazing – fitted to some new builds but quite expensive and requires more maintenance than the aluminium or UPVC counterparts.

Typical Window Types

The most common type of window construction is the casement window. The image on the right shows an example of the standard 2 or 3 pane casement window.

These windows come in a variety of colours, although white is probably the most typical, with a variety of glass options.
This style of window may not be suitable for every house, but it is a fairly inexpensive double glazing solution.

Your choice of colour and the way in which the window operates will be limited by the company you choice to install your double glazing.

It is always worth looking at other houses in your street, or other houses of a similar style, to help decide which style looks best for your property.